How do I get to the ship?
The majority of our cruises leave from and return to Southampton. Coach transfers can be arranged from across the UK and parking is available at the terminal. For Caribbean fly-cruises, regional airport departures are available and your flights and transfers are included in your fare. For exotic fly-cruises, we offer a holiday package add-on which includes flights and transfers.
How much luggage can I take?
On cruises sailing from and returning to Southampton you can take as many bags as you can fit into your cabin. On fly-cruises you’ll be restricted to the airline’s baggage allowance.
What dress codes are there?
During the day casual wear is ideal, with comfortable shoes for exploring ashore. Although cruising isn’t as formal as it once was, passengers still love to dress up in the evening. There are three types of evening wear; Evening Casual; Smart, jacket required; and Black Tie. If you travel on board Ventura or Oceana, the dress codes are a little more relaxed with only two – Smart Casual and Formal. Click here for more information.
I don't usually 'do' formal wear - can I hire it?
Yes – we offer a comprehensive black tie hire service, with a range of suit styles and accessories available. Simply visit our hire page (http://www.pocruisesblacktiehire.co.uk/outfitpo) to place your order. Your suit will then be delivered to your chosen address or to your ship if it is departing from Southampton. At the end of your cruise, you simply return your suit and accessories to the hire shop on board.
Is the main destination always a port?
Usually yes, but in some countries we have to dock in an alternative location. In these cases, within the itinerary we list the port in brackets alongside the destination, e.g Rome (tours from Civitavecchia). Shore excursions are offered from your ship to your destination, with public transport and taxis available for those wishing to explore independently.
How long do we have in port?
In the majority of our destinations you will be able to enjoy a full day ashore. Your ship will usually arrive between 7am and 10am, departing between 4pm and 6.30pm.
What if I feel unwell?
Sea sickness is rare. Our ships are over 850 feet long and over 100 feet wide which makes them stable in all weather conditions. However if you are worried, you can buy tablets that will help. Additionally, each of our ships also contains a well-equipped Medical Centre staffed by qualified doctors and nurses 24 hours a day.
How do I decide which ship to travel on?
You have seven ships to choose from and each one is very different. We recommend taking time to read about each member of our fleet. By doing so you will find out more about the type of holiday you can expect to enjoy on each ship and the facilities you'll find on board.
Types of cruises
It may surprise you to learn that there is a variety cruise types to choose from. Our round-trip Southampton cruises begin and end in the British port for extra ease – lasting as little as two nights, they are the perfect introduction to cruising. If you prefer to arrive in the sun quicker, Caribbean fly-cruises involve a flight to Barbados to meet your ship, and a flight back. We also offer Transatlantic fly-cruises where you fly one way and sail the other.
If you have more time to spare, then a World Cruise may appeal. These epic journeys involve a round-trip from Southampton to exotic destinations and last over 100 nights in some cases. Whilst some of our World Cruises circumnavigate the globe, others allow you to explore continents in more detail. If a full World Cruise isn’t possible, then exotic fly-cruises are an ideal way to explore an exotic part of the world. You’ll simply fly to meet your ship part-way through its World Cruise, stay on board for a number of nights (anything from 15 to 66 nights) and then fly home again.
Finally, cruises to and from Australasia offer a great way to see large parts of the world – these involve flying one way and sailing the other.